PLA conducts exercises in response to U.S. provocations

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command conducted inter-service patrols and live-fire exercises on Sunday in the air and waters near Taiwan in a response to the provocations by the United States and the island's authority, according to a spokesman for the command.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi said in a statement on Sunday evening that the command will take all necessary measures to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He did not give details about the exercises.

Pictures published alongside Shi's statement showed that bomber aircrafts and guided-missile destroyers took part in the operations. Taiwan's Central Mountain Range was also shown in a picture, which was apparently taken by a PLA pilot.